Two years after getting approval to build a fruit and vegetable market showcasing local produce, the developer of Fieldstone Farms has secured a one-year extension to break ground.

Rochester resident Arnie Johnson said the death of one family member and the illness of another, coupled with higher than expected construction costs, slowed progress.

Johnson got an initial estimate of $900,000 to build the proposed 5,600-square-foot market at the site of the former Frigate Steakhouse restaurant on Route 6.

“To construct a building for that much to sell cucumbers, that wasn’t going to fit,” he said.

Johnson, a member of the Rochester Planning Board, researched other construction methods and building materials to lower the cost, but spent most of 2014 helping family.

“That put 2014 on the back burner,” Johnson said.

Now he’s waiting for another estimate and is prepared to move forward. He said there are no plans to change the building’s size. However, if the price is too expensive, it’s likely the market may be open seasonally instead of year-round.

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable changing the size of the building knowing I couldn’t make a good impression with the business,” Johnson said.

Town bylaws state that if no major construction is done following the two-year site plan approval, applicants must seek an extension.

Regarding construction blueprints, Johnson said everything is in order.

“I have everything the Building Department requires,” he said. “I could go in tomorrow and file a building permit.”

Original plans called for a grand opening this past spring. Last year, the building on the property was demolished and other debris was removed.

“The site, from a safety standpoint, is more stable today than it was a year ago,” Johnson said.

Planning Board members agreed and unanimously voted for the extension.

“I think this will be a desirable development to have in town, and I think if there’s anything we can do to help make that happen, I think we should,” said board member Jennifer Francis.